Died of pneumonia in childbirth, or at least very soon after Marion’s birth. Buried at the Holy Trinity church in Rapaura (just outside Blenheim).

Educated at Spring Creek Public School. Was shearing sheep by the age of 15. Lucky him. In 1898 he went into partnership with his brother Frank in the Spring Creek property, “Burnlea”, previously owned by their father. AFter a few years, Frank sold his share to John and shifted to Marshlands. John continued to crop this heavy agricultural land until his brother, Albert, purchased the property for 100 pounds per acre in 1918. John purchased “Lucknow”, 740 acres of rolling tussock country at Starborough, where he farmed until his death. “Lucknow” was apparently named by the former owner who won it in a land ballot, and exclaimed at her luck. Hmmmm...... sounds plausible. Probably nothing to do with India.

John was a keen sportsman, representing Marlborough in rugby, and playing cricket and shooting guns and things.